World Communion and Neighbors In
Need
Rev. JoBeth
Marshall
Lectionary
Scripture: Psalm 26; Hebrews 2:8b-12; Mark
Sermon
Synopsis of: "Shoulda,
Wanna, Aughta, Coulda"
How many of you
are familiar with the saying "Don’t should on yourself"? Whenever we
find ourselves using any of the verbs "Shoulda, Wanna, Aughta, Coulda," we need to pay attention. It is a sign that
we’re not paying attention to something we need to do or need not do.
"Jesus loves
us exactly as we are — that’s the good news. But Jesus loves us too much to let
us stay that way, and Jesus wants us to grow in our relationship with him (God
and the Holy Spirit) and become more productive (in our lives upon the earth). Homeltics, October 2009, p 40
The
"products" Jesus wants us to produce "include mutual love,
hospitality to strangers, concern for our neighbors in need (those struggling
in this life) and faithfulness in our relationships" (in community). Ibid
When Jesus was
walking, talking and teaching among us on the earth, he knew that he would not
be with us forever. He teaches us yet, that in each generation we can make
communities caring enough to welcome strangers and one another in love.
Amen.